I Had a Great Interview! Why Didn’t I Get a Callback?

It happens often. The interview went well. The conversation flowed. You were poised and presented a very strong case. You even got along on a personal level with the interviewer. Weeks have passed though, and there hasn't been a callback. What could have happened?

There is always the possibility you may have misread the positive experience, and even those times when the internal candidate was basically guaranteed the offer. Still, sometimes candidates lose the job offer because of the interviewer's experiences after the interview. What could change your interviewer's mind?

Here are a few to note:

Failing to follow-up

According to a CareerBuilder survey, nearly one in four hiring managers will bypass a candidate who did not send a thank you, believing these candidates won't follow through with work or aren't serious about the position. Now, you're manager may not be part of that one in four, but why take the chance? As I've heard from many job seekers, it may just tip the scales in your favor.

Next time: Thank the interviewer for the opportunity, even if it was a phone interview, quick coffee meeting, or an informal group setting. What should the note say besides thank you? A few things to consider are: memorable parts of the conversation, reasons you're excited to work for the company, and places where you would create value on the job. A thank you note keeps you connected to the organization and creates a stronger relationship between you and the interviewer.

Poor online presence

The Internet has made it easier for us to communicate on a broad scale. However, it also puts us at risk of association with inappropriate content. Employers have also taken this into account: 65 percent of companies like to see if candidates present themselves professionally online. Many companies do not want to hire someone who could present the organization in a bad light, which may happen if your name is associated with inappropriate content.

Next time: Clean up your online image before the interview. Research your name in a search engine. Enable privacy settings. Put the correct social media links on your resume or portfolio so the interviewer knows exactly where to look. Make sure your name is not associated with anything that may make the organization question your professionalism or your ability to perform. These tactics will help you to stand out better online, instead of steering your name in the wrong direction.

Unreliable references

No matter how impressive you are in an interview, the words of others have a dramatic impact. Good references enhance how you presented yourself. References that are unreliable or unresponsive may harm your chances. For instance, a reference who cannot remember your accomplishments or when you worked for the organization does little to prove why you're right for the job. It may do the opposite because your experiences are left unconfirmed.

Next time: Proactively reach out to your references to inform them they may be contacted. Let them know which accomplishments or points you highlighted in the interview. Give them a briefing on the organization, the position, and the interview as whole. This helps your references be prepared no matter what the organization throws at them.

You just weren't a good fit

You may have walked into the interview believing it was your dream job. However, the interviewer can quickly tell if you're right for the position based on your professional background. Company culture also plays an important role in the hiring process. It's hard to face, but you may not be compatible and landing the position would not work well for you in the long term.

Next time: When performing your job search, focus on organizations that match your strengths, knowledge, values, and motivations. Understand why you would be a good match. Investigate how your professional background would aid in the mission a company. When you are aware of why you would work well in an organization, you'll be able to target your job search and interview better.

Though many candidates are disappointed when they don't hear back from a company, it's vital to understand some key reasons behind it. Ample follow-up, your online presence, references, and being the right fit are all reasons why you may have not received a callback. Take these factors into account as you continue along your job search.

What do you think?What are some other reasons why you didn't receive a callback?

Alan Carniol is the Founder of Interview Success Formula, an online training program that helps job seekers deliver powerful interview questions and answers that prove why they are the right person for the job. Follow Alan and Interview Success Formula on Facebook,Twitter, and LinkedIn.